We are a talented staff of AI and machine learning focused professionals, led by a team of entrepreneurs and Internet pioneers based in Seattle, WA. At Switch, we are passionate about creating innovative financial solutions that make online life better for everyone.

Our Team

Chris HopenCEO & Co-Founder

Chris has been a technological visionary throughout his career. His most recent company, Tappin, provided secure remote access to and from any file stored on a device. Chris was the Co-Founder and CEO. The company was acquired by Globalscape in 2011, who continues to offer the product. Prior to Tappin, Chris was a Co-Founder and CTO of Aventail, one of the first SSL VPN companies. The company was acquired by Sonicwall in 2007. Prior to Aventail, Chris was STO for Spry, the first internet in a box offering. Spry was acquired by CompuServe in 1996. Chris has also authored over 14 patents throughout his career.

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Dave specializes in managing technology products and services. Before joining Switch, Inc. as the a Product Owner, Dave served as the Director of Program Management at NetMotion Wireless and held Senior Program Manager positions at Serials Solutions and Aventail. Aventail was one of the first SSL VPN companies at the time and was acquired by SonicWALL in 2007. Dave is passionate about user experience and product quality and has over 15 years of experience leading and managing product development projects.

Gary TomlinsonDirector of Research & Development

Gary is the Director of Research and Development at Switch Inc. He worked closely with the Dell Corporation as Director of Software Engineering. Before Dell, he was the VP of Software Engineering at SonicWALL, which was then purchased by Dell. He is an entrepreneur at heart as the co-inventor of 14 US Patents. He has been a co-author and contributor to several publications including Request for Comments from the Internet Engineering Task Force, and High Capacity Internet Caching papers.

Katherine ChavezDirector of Marketing

Katherine is the Director of Marketing at Switch Inc. Her most recent tenure was with Global Molecular Labs in Dallas, Texas. As Marketing Director she developed marketing and customer support team initiatives for a rapidly growing internal team. She enjoys building and launching new products and had the opportunity to launch sales initiatives at GML. She has over nine years of experience in sales, business development, and public relations for small businesses and startups.

Dave PoolCo-Founder & Member Board of Directors

Dave has been a pioneering entrepreneur throughout his career. In 1989 when the internet was just emerging, he founded Spry, one of the first companies to provide a complete online access solution available to the general public. Spry was acquired by CompuServe for $103 million in 1996. After Spry, Dave founded DataChannel. The company was acquired by Netegrity Inc in 2001 for $54 million. Dave has been active in the investment community since.

Rich BegertMember Board of Directors

Rich specializes in providing executive coaching with CEO’s at venture backed technology companies. He continues to advise Switch, Inc. on their sales, business development, and venture financing. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of SinglePoint until February 2010. Mr. Begert has been involved with the wireless industry since its infancy, and launched two of the industry’s most influential initiatives: the first wireless data network in the U.S. (CDPD) and AT&T’s Digital One rate. In addition, he currently serves as Member of the Board of Ambassadors at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Kevin KnightMember Board of Directors

Kevin Knight is an experienced payments and loyalty programs executive currently serving on for profit and non-profit boards. In his consulting practice he serves a variety of clients from financial technology start-ups to established card issuers and retailers. He works with Switch, Inc. and advises on business development, go-to-market strategy, and product positioning. Kevin has held many successful leadership roles instituting innovative credit payment products and programs for such high-profile retail brands and financial companies as VISA, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Cabela’s and GE Capital.

Carol CosbyMember Board of Directors

Carol Cosby has been a leader in the financial industry for over 30 years. She has served as a senior leader at companies including MasterCard, where she was a general manager, Visa and JPMorgan Chase. She brings her industry knowledge to lead Switch into disrupting the financial institution industry.

Amy HansonMember Board of Directors

Amy Hanson brings a broad portfolio of senior leadership in retail, finance, consumer credit, and technology. Hanson’s experience at Macy’s includes an impressive track record in leadership and growth of their omnichannel call center management, loyalty program development, technology strategy development for consumer services, and the $7 billion of assets in Macy’s credit business. Hanson’s experience also includes serving as Senior advisor at Westfield Retail Solutions, Senior management advisor at Signet and Board Member of Messer, INC.

Jim VoelkerAdvisory Board Member

Jim Voelker held a number of senior executive positions and served as the President and Board Director of NEXTLINK Communications, Inc. before his tenure with Blucora, Inc. which ran from 2002-2013. Since that time, he has been a private investor in technology companies like Pushspring, Ravenna Solutions, Lighthouse E-Discovery, VETTD, and Trovota. Voelker’s extensive past has lead him to advise Switch on our business development and future plans. Voelker is also active in the community and is a board member for the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club.

Mark WeberAdvisory Board Member

Mark Weber has been a national speaker, author, entrepreneur, and strategist in financial services marketing for more than 30 years. His experience plays a vital role in the Switch marketing department. In addition to his work in the financial services industry, Weber is a board member of Agros International, a non-profit agency building sustainable rural farming villages, and advisory board member to fintech startup Lightmaker Lotto.

Sandy ZoggAdvisory Board Member

Sandy Zogg has served in a number of executive roles ranging from startups, multi-million dollar institutions and global firms. He currently is a senior director of marketing business development at T-Mobile. He has provided sales and marketing consulting services for over nine years to several standout firms, including T-Mobile, C3-Jian, Aeromedia Networks, Seattle Sports Council, and WNBA Champion Seattle Storm.